I have no idea where they will be. I’ve been given the impression that they only use the drawing room for pre-dinner drinks, but there are so many doors and corridors that I don’t have a clue. Thea did mention the kitchen to me on the first day, but I can’t remember which closed door it hides behind. I listen for voices, but everywhere is silent, all sound deadened by the thick walls and solid oak doors. I pause at each one in turn, listening. If I hear talking, I’ll knock and ask to have a word. It’s not until I get to the third door on the left that I hear a murmur. It’s hard to make out what Garrick is saying, as his voice is so deep, but I can hear Thea plainly.

‘I think she’s ready to move on, my dear. Do you?’

I have no idea who she’s talking about. It could be a relative – I still don’t know if they have children of their own – or it could be one of the cleaners. But I have a horrible, sneaking suspicion that they might be talking about me. What does she mean, move on? She wants me to leave, that’s all I can think.

I don’t want to interrupt them in case they are talking about me, so I creep back along the corridor, grateful now that I walked on tiptoe. I feel the need to hurry in case they catch me, but I’m being ridiculous.

I don’t know what time the cleaners arrive, but if I get up early enough I might be able to get out before Thea locks the door at the bottom of the stairs to my room. The only obstacle then might be the side door, the one I always use to go out into the garden.

I make my way towards the narrow passage and the small lobby that leads to the door, and I’m relieved when I see it has a Yale lock with bolts at the top and bottom, all of which can be opened from the inside. Making my escape in the morning won’t be a problem as long as the door to the stairs isn’t locked when I come down. Sighing with relief, I turn, but out of the corner of my eye I see the shoe rack. And that’s when I realise I won’t be going anywhere.

The shoe rack is empty. I wore my boots earlier in the garden, and I know I left them here, but they’ve gone.

CHAPTER 24

24